Hanson Brick obtains permits to operate Tansley Quarry

BURLINGTON, Ont., December 20, 2007

Hanson Brick, North America's leading brick manufacturer, has obtained permits allowing it to start shale extraction at the Tansley Quarry. The new quarry extends Hanson's presence and commitment to the Burlington area.

"As a long-time corporate citizen of Burlington and Halton Region we are pleased to continue our long-term commitment to the local economy," said Steve Luckett, regional vice president and general manager of Hanson Brick's Northern Region.

Tansley Quarry takes its name from the area where it is located and will be a new source of shale for Hanson's buff bricks. The quarry will begin production in early 2008. It is expected to have a production life of 80 years.

With the permits from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in place, Hanson will start trial production of its buff color products in early January. Hanson buff -coloured bricks are commonly used in the construction of schools, long-term care facilities, churches, hospitals and retail facilities, among many others.

In order to obtain the license Hanson has made many commitments to government agencies and the local community, including road modifications, formation of berms, extensive landscaping and storm-water management control features.

Located at the intersection of Tremaine Road and Highway 407 near Milton and Oakville, the quarry property was most recently used as horse farm and features a historic barn building and Heritage Home built in the late 1800s.

To keep Halton Region informed of the quarry's development and Hanson's community initiatives, the company has created a page devoted to news about the Tansley quarry on the Hanson Brick website.

The page includes details on the quarry project, including maps of the 95-acre quarry property, aerial/satellite photos, the construction schedule, environmental assessments, water quality testing data, links to regulatory agencies and company contact information.

It will also provide regular updates on Hanson's community initiatives. To visit the page go to www.na.hansonbrick.com and click on the "communications" tab in the left hand navigation bar.

"We look forward to open dialogue and a healthy working relationship with the region and our local neighbors," Luckett said.

In Canada, Hanson Brick operates three manufacturing facilities and multiple quarries in the Greater Toronto Area and one manufacturing facility and quarry in Quebec. Hanson produces a wide variety of clay bricks and the Tansley Quarry enables the company to continue making its popular buff colour bricks, many of which clad buildings in Ontario, Quebec and the Northeast United States.

Hanson Brick is North America's largest brick manufacturer, with approximately 1,600 employees and operations across the United States and Canada. The company provides its customers with superior selection and service, offering more than 1,000 styles of brick in five regional brick collections. Hanson Brick is based in Charlotte, N.C.

Hanson Brick is part of Hanson, one of the world's largest suppliers of heavy building materials to the construction industry. Hanson produces aggregates (crushed rock, sand and gravel), ready-mixed and precast concrete, asphalt and cement-related materials and a range of building products including concrete pipes, concrete pavers, tiles and clay bricks.

Hanson is part of the HeidelbergCement Group, which employs 70,000 people across five continents. Heidelberg has leading positions in concrete and heavy building products and is the global leader in aggregates.

Further information on Hanson can be found at na.hansonbrick.com

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